Michelle Vanstrom, Master Naturalist

Niagara's Native Species

Document Library

We will continue grassroots collaborations and are cosponsoring programs and events with Just Words, Niagara's Literary Forum, The New York Council for the Humanities, Residents for Responsible Government, ForrestConnect, The Orion Society, and the Youngstown Garden Club. In addition to promoting Wild Ones' national initiatives, these unique collaborations support the conservation platform of National Garden Clubs, Inc. "National Garden Clubs, Inc. believes it is imperative that we support and undertake proactive initiatives necessary for the protection, conservation, and restoration of the quality of the Nation's coastal waters, wetlands, watersheds, aquifers, lakes, rivers and streams for our use and future generations, through educational programs, conservation efforts, increased advocacy, and partnerships with related government agencies, and state and national grassroots water coalitions." (8th District Federated Garden Clubs of NYS newsletter: Figure 8. Jan., Feb., Mar. '09. )

Through preservation and restoration of our natural areas, we are dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity. Native plants in a particular area are those that were growing naturally in the area before humans introduced plants from distant places. In eastern and central North America, native plants typically grew in communities with species adapted to similar soil, moisture, and weather conditions. Some of the widespread communities included oak-hickory-chestnut and beech-maple forests, tallgrass and shortgrass prairies, and freshwater marshes. Additional communities occupied specialized niches, including savannahs, fens, bogs, flood plains and alpine areas.

White Oak

Oak seedling

Each native plant species is a member of a community that includes other plants, animals and microorganisms. The natural balance keeps each species in check, allowing it to thrive in conditions where it is suited, but prevents it from becoming invasive. Native plants provide food and shelter for birds, butterflies and other desirable wildlife. Many help enrich the soil. Their root systems help rainfall percolate into the soil, reducing erosion and runoff. This improves water quality.